Cyberbullying has been around as long as the internet, but social media platforms have made it easier, faster, and more public than ever. Today, tweens and teens may be exposed to cyberbullying through DMs, group chats, viral memes, and even disappearing messages.
As a parent, it’s important to understand how cyberbullying happens on social media, what signs to look for, and how to step in if your child is affected.
Social media cyberbullying refers to harassing, threatening, or humiliating behavior that takes place on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and others. This can include hurtful comments, messages, or posts that are intended to embarrass, exclude, or intentionally harm someone.
Nearly 60% of teens experience online abuse, and 25% say they’ve received explicit images they didn’t ask for. Social media’s constant connectivity and viral nature makes it especially difficult for kids to escape or recover from bullies.
Here are some of the most common ways your child might experience cyberbullying on social media.
Forget traditional text messages — most tweens and teens communicate with their peers primarily through direct messages (DMs) on social media. That may include sending harassing or threatening DMs intended to bully the recipient.
Because DMs aren’t visible to others, this form of bullying generally goes unnoticed by adults.
If you have a monitoring service like BrightCanary, you’ll be able to monitor what your child types on their iPhone or iPad — including DMs on popular social platforms and every app they use.
If you’ve spent any time on social media, you know how easily a comment thread can turn into a raging dumpster fire. Cyberbullies often make nasty comments on their target’s social media posts, which can quickly snowball as others join in.
Doxxing involves publishing a person’s private information online without their consent. It originated with ‘90s hacker culture, but has since taken its place on the mainstream internet, particularly with the rise of social media.
The information revealed in doxxing can vary from embarrassing to dangerous, and it’s often accompanied by threats or inciting others to harass the targeted person.
We all laugh at a good meme now and again — but they can be a tool for cyberbullies, too. Sometimes, bullies take photos or videos of their targets and turn them into cruel or embarrassing memes, spreading them across social media.
Due to the viral nature of memes, the damage inflicted on your child can be long-lasting.
Part of the internet’s appeal for bullies is the ability to remain anonymous. A bully may create a fake account or screen name — sometimes referred to as a sockpuppet — in order to fly under the radar.
A teen may use a fake account to strike up an online relationship with a peer, then spread the personal information gained in their conversations.
If your child shares intimate photos or videos, even in a trusted relationship, there’s a risk that material could be shared without their consent. This can happen if the relationship goes sour or the material finds its way into someone else’s hands.
7. Snapchat and disappearing messages
Apps like Snapchat make cyberbullying harder to detect. Because Snaps disappear after viewing, kids may not report what they saw — especially if they fear no one will believe them. Bullies may also screenshot a response and spread it to escalate the bullying.
Kids don’t always tell parents when they’re being bullied online. Here are some signs that may indicate something is wrong:
If you notice any of these, check in with your child using open-ended questions and offer support without judgment.
Here are some actions you can take if your child is the victim of cyberbullying.
Blocking the bully is a quick way to end the behavior and give your child a break. Social media platforms also have mechanisms for reporting cyberbullying, which can lead to a user being temporarily or permanently banned.
Take screenshots of the bullying, especially before it disappears (as with Snaps). Save dates, usernames, and messages in case you need to report the behavior to the school, platform, or authorities.
Listening to your child with empathy and without judgment or blame is one of the most important things you can do to support them when they’re being cyberbullied.
Cyberbullying can range from hurtful to dangerous. Sometimes, blocking a bully and letting your child cry on your shoulder isn’t enough. If you feel the situation is getting out of hand, it may be time to take additional steps, like contacting the authorities, alerting the school, or seeking counseling for your child.
For additional tips on what to do if your child is being cyberbullied, including tips on documenting the situation, conversation starters, and what to do if your child witnesses cyberbullying, check out our comprehensive guide.
BrightCanary helps you monitor your child’s online activity across social media and messaging platforms. You’ll get real-time summaries and alerts about potential issues, including signs of cyberbullying — so you can step in when it matters most.
By staying informed and involved, you can help your child navigate social media with confidence and safety.
Many teens and tweens face instances of cyberbullying. Social media presents unique avenues for cyberbullying that parents should know and be prepared to help their children address.
